38-Star American Parade Flag, Commemorating Colorado Statehood, Circa 1876-1889
This is an original 38-star American parade flag, celebrating Colorado statehood and the 100th anniversary of our nation's independence. A wonderful product of our nation's early history, this flag is an authentic antique, dating to 1876-1890.
This flag is printed on cotton. The canton has 38 white stars, on dark blue. The star pattern is irregular, with 6 vertical rows of 6/7/6/6/7/6 stars, but printed in a staggered formation. Moreover, the stars are not aligned, but rather placed whimsically on the canton, almost mimicking how stars shimmer or sparkle in the night sky. The stars were most likely clamp-dyed. The flag’s design is completed by 13 horizontal red and white alternating stripes, also printed.
The Centennial celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1876 and all manner of flags were made for the official Centennial International Exposition, which was a World’s Fair event of massive scale. Flags were not only made for the fair, of course, but were also produced for general celebrations of this important anniversary nationwide. Flag designs from this celebratory period are a beautiful assortment of 38 stars in decorative medallion, varied row, and flower star-patterns.
The 38th star was added for the admission of Colorado, which occurred on August 1, 1876. Per the Third Flag Act of 1818, stars were not officially added until the 4th of July following a state's addition. For this reason, 37 was the official star count for the American flag in 1876 and the 38 star flag became the official United States flag on July 4th, 1877. The 38 star flag flew for thirteen years, through 1890. Five presidents served under this flag: Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881), James A. Garfield (1881), Chester A. Arthur (1881-1885), Grover Cleveland (1885-1889), and Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893).
CONDITION:
Very good condition. American parade flag. Printed on cotton, with 38 clamp-dyed stars, arranged in 6 vertical rows of 6/7/6/6/7/6 stars. 13 red and white alternating stripes. Cut edges, not sewn, with fraying and loss along the bottom edge. A handful of small scattered holes, mostly in navy canton. Small nail holes along the white hoist, from past display/attachment to a waver stick. Colors are lightly faded, but red is still vibrant. Minimal toning to white cotton. Faint creases to flag from past storage. The flag measures 15” H x 22” W.
Flag is archivally mounted and framed in a custom-built black wooden frame gold beaded spandrel on an acid-free black linen mat with UV Conservation Clear glass.
Framed Dimensions: 23 7/8"H x 29 7/8"W x 2"D.
Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.
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38-Star American Parade Flag, Commemorating Colorado Statehood, Circa 1876-1889
Colorado
1 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs CO 80906
United States
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